The Sheffield-based energy, projects and construction practice at CMS works closely with practitioners in Manchester to form the firm's Northern team, which handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious mandates relating to infrastructure and energy projects. The team acts for a varied client roster of contractors, public sector bodies, employer clients and institutional investors. Dispute resolution head Fraser Askham and transactional construction team leader Helen Johnson jointly lead the practice.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Large inclusive team that collaborated well with each other and the wider team.’
‘Personnel are open to discussion to explore alternative views and respond quickly to requests for information and clarification as to requirements.’
‘The practice is led by an intelligent and resourceful partner (Fraser Askham) but works together well as a team. It is clear that the strength of the team is that they enjoy working together, even under onerous deadlines.’
‘Most of my interaction was with Fraser Askham, the partner that led on the dispute. Despite the huge amount of work and stress, Fraser remained available throughout and was always upbeat. Although he did not downplay the significance of the issues that needed to be overcome, he remained calm under pressure at all times.'
Key clients
- Lendlease
- NG Bailey Group
- Wates Group
- STRABAG
- Multiplex
- Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
- University of Sheffield
- International Hotel Properties
- Amey LG
- Ambassador Theatre Group
- Henry Boot Group
- Ground Control Limited
- Crown Commercial Services
- Galliford Try
- BUG AluTechnic
- The Department for Education
Work highlights
- Advised Lendlease on a £140m+ multi-party dispute concerning the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital.
- Advising the MEH Joint Venture (comprising Balfour Beatty, Altrad, Cavendish Nuclear, Altrad Babcock , Bilfinger and NG Bailey) on a multi-billion pound alliance contract for the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.
- Advising the Mace Limited/Dragados S.A. joint venture on the transformation of Euston Station and the construction of the new Birmingham Curzon Street Station as part of the UK’s new High Speed 2 railway development.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Fraser Askham, Helen Johnson